To slow the spread of the virus, we are constantly reminded to socially distance, wash our hands, and wear masks whenever we leave our homes. Unfortunately, despite following these guidelines, I contracted the virus. This was my experience with COVID-19.
On Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, I felt a mild itchiness in my throat. I wasn’t too worried about it because it was so minor that I would forget about it when I was preoccupied with a thought or an activity. I regularly exercise, and on that day, I still felt well enough to work out.
However, on the following day, I woke up with a bad headache and sore legs. I thought the soreness was unrelated to the headache, so I blamed it on the exercise routine I did the day before. I attended classes without turning on my camera. Due to the headache and weakness, I went to get tested. That night, my headache and leg pain worsened, I had no appetite, and I felt weaker.
On Nov. 17, the testing laboratory called to inform us that my mom and I had tested positive for COVID. The California Health Department COVID Team asked about our whereabouts before Nov. 16 and gave us phone numbers to call in case we needed food or other necessities. I still had no appetite, but thankfully, I didn’t lose my sense of taste. The headache and body pain were persistent, but it wasn’t as bad as the previous day. Furthermore, my mother and I were prohibited from leaving the bedroom, so my dad brought us food. Eventually, we relied on a food delivery service.
Additionally, I found that it was a little hard to breathe when I did anything that required physical effort, such as light dancing or jumping, so I took a break from physical activity for that time. I did not come down with a fever while I was sick; the headache was the most painful symptom. As much as I wanted to stay in bed and rest, I couldn’t because I had a project due that same week, and I felt more stressed thinking about my unfinished requirements. However, sleep did come easily because being weak from COVID seemed to amplify my fatigue after school. I even woke up late for class once.
My appetite returned very slowly over the days I was sick. I also felt a weird tingling sensation in my face, which I found out was also a symptom of COVID that I had never heard of. It usually happened at night when I went to bed and would be gone by morning. While it did not hurt, it was unpleasant. For 10 days, I tried to focus on resting, and my family and I strengthened our immune system with food supplements.
Thankfully, my mother and I were able to make a full recovery, and we have regained our strength. Having COVID made the pandemic feel even more real to me. Seeing it happen and actually getting sick were worlds apart in difference. It renewed my respect for healthcare workers and for the people who offer resources and guidelines to those who are sick. I became even more encouraged to practice the protocols put in place for everyone’s safety, and I hope my story motivates others to do the same.